Strange tweet from Buster Olney a little while ago. He says that the Cleveland Indians have walked away from talks with the Mets over Carlos Beltran because they are convinced that Beltan’s agent — Scott Boras — is “controlling the process.”

Hmm. On the one hand, if there is an agent who would try to control the process, it would be Boras. On the other hand, this could be Cleveland’s way of voicing displeasure over talks that weren’t going the way they liked. Maybe they’re using Boras as a handy excuse. Such a cover story would certainly help quell any fan grumbling if and when the Indians fail to land a bat at the deadline.

One thing that has occurred to me, however, is that if Boras is controlling the process somehow, it may make a possible trade to Atlanta complicated. The Braves were already thought to be heavily involved in trade talks, and you’d figure their interest would only intensify now that they’ve lost their best hitter for an extended period. However, the Braves’ front office happens to have some pretty negative feelings for Scott Boras. Current GM Frank Wren less than John Schuerholz used to have — Schuerholz reportedly vowed to never deal with Boras again — but it’s not like Schuerholz isn’t still hanging around the office.

Probably much ado about nothing — Boras is an easy boogeyman — but interesting all the same.

Be that as it may, Carlos Beltran has a no-trade clause and is entitled to choose where he wants to go. Both he and Boras have indicated a preference to a) go to a winner as opposed to just a contender and b) stay in the NL. The Indians are hanging by a thread in a weak division. Beltran would prefer to be on a team that is more of a playoff lock i.e Phils, Giants, Braves, Rangers.

I think you nailed it with “much ado about nothing.” The present of Scott Boras in such negotiations is no different that, say, a Drew Rosenhaus in football.

Consider:

a·gent/ˈājənt/Noun
1. A person who acts on behalf of another, in particular.
2. A person who manages business, financial, or contractual matters for an actor, performer, or writer

The job description pretty much says you’re “in the process.” I’m sure Boras is listening to his client and thinking of ways to maximize is total earning potential in a new contract. If that means finding the best situation to succeed, so be it. And no offense Cleveland fans, but the mistake by the lake ain’t exactly been the “best situation” for players in recent years. Boras will find a cozy playoff contender for Beltran……

In addition to rightly controlling where Beltran goes, Boras has an interest in what the Mets get back in return. That defines Beltran’s “value” which will help in his next contract negotation. Boras SHOULD be a significant part of the process, and if he’s involved, he’s going to be perceived as attempting to control.

Makes sense to me that Beltran, even without the advice of Boras, would want to go to a team that has a legitimate shot at not only making playoffs but advancing, as opposed to just a contending team. He gets to the playoffs, he has a real shot a a ring. Also, if he has a huge postseason (like he did with the Astros), that would only enhance his payoff this offseason. I know that was 7 years ago, but wouldn’t a solid, injury-free season, with a big postseason get him an extra year and more money, as opposed to just the solid, injury-free season?